Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (21– 27 February 2019)

• Israeli forces continued to use excessive force against the peaceful protestors in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli forces killed Palestinian child in eastern Gaza City.
• 117 civilians, including 19 children, eight women, a journalist, and a paramedic, were wounded. The injury of three of them were reported serious.
• Israeli forces conducted 81 incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank and 2 limited incursions in the Gaza Strip.
• Four Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, were wounded in different incidents in the West Bank.
• 128 civilians, including four children, were arrested in the West Bank. Thirty-seven of them, including a child, were arrested in occupied Jerusalem.
• Among those arrestees were the governor of Jerusalem, the two leaders Khader ‘Adnan and Tareq Qa’dan, and the two sheikhs ‘Abed al-‘Azim Suhlob and Najeh Bakirat.
• Two Palestinian civilians were arrested while sneaking into Israel.

• Shooting incidents were reported against Palestinian farmers and shepherds in the border areas of the Gaza Strip and no injuries were reported.

• Israeli authorities continued their settlement activities in the West Bank.
• Israeli forces uprooted 350 olive seedlings while Israeli settlers uprooted 200 other seedlings in Hebron.
• Israeli settlers attacked 2 civilians and punctured the tires of 10 vehicles.

• 11 shooting incidents were reported against the fishing boats in the Gaza Strip sea.

• Israeli forces turned the West Bank into cantons and continued to impose the illegal closure on the Gaza Strip for the 13^thconsecutive year.
• Israeli forces established 103 permanent checkpoints and 80 temporary checkpoints in the West Bank.
• 2 civilians were arrested at the military checkpoints in the West Bank.

Summary

Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law in the oPt continued during the reporting period (21-27 February 2019).

Shooting:

In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces continued to use lethal force against the participants in the peaceful protests organized along the Gaza Strip borders, which witnessed the peaceful protests for the 48^th week along the eastern and northern border area of the Gaza Strip. They also continued to use force as well during the incursions into the West Bank.

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian child and wounded 117 civilians, including 19 children, 8 women, a journalist, and a paramedic, while participating in the Return March. The injury of three of them was reported serious. In the West Bank, 4 civilians, including a child, were wounded by the Israeli forces in different shooting incidents.

In the Gaza Strip, in new crime of excessive use of force, on 22 February 2019, Israeli forces killed Yousef al-Dayiah (14), from al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City. Yousef was wounded at approximately 16:50 after being hit with a live bullet to the chest while present 50 meters away from the border fence, east of al-Shuja’aiyia neighborhood. His death was declared at 18:10.

In the same context, Israeli forces wounded 117 civilians, including 19 children, 8 women, a journalist, and a paramedic. The injury of three of them was reported serious.

Injuries in the Gaza Strip from 21 to 27 February 2019 According to the Governorate

• As part of targeting the Palestinian fishermen in the sea, the Israeli forces continued to escalate their attacks against the Palestinian fishermen, indicating the on-going Israeli policy to target their livelihoods. During the reporting period, PCHR documented 11 incidents were as follows: 6 incidents in western al-Sodaniyia shore, 4 incidents off al-Waha resort and 1 incident off Khan Yunis shore.

• As part of targeting the border areas, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawkah village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands.

• On 23 February 2019, =Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Khuza’ah village.

• On 25 February 2019, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds, east of Dir al-Balah in the center of the Gaza Strip. On 26 February 2019, the Israeli shooting recurred at agricultural lands, east of Dir al-Balah in the center of the Gaza Strip. No casualties and damages to property were reported.

• In the West Bank, Israeli forces wounded four Palestinian civilians, including a child and a journalist, in different shooting incidents.

Incursions:

During the reporting period, Israeli forces conducted at least 81 military incursions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During those incursions, Israeli forces arrested at least 55 Palestinians, including 3 children. Moreover, the Israeli forces conducted a wide-scale arrest campaign in occupied East Jerusalem, where they arrested 73 civilians, including a child. Among the arrestees were the governor of Jerusalem, the two leaders Khader ‘Adnan and Tareq Qa’dan, and the two sheikhs ‘Abed al-‘Azim Suhlob and Najeh Bakirat. Moreover, the Israeli forces insulted Palestinian civilians, whose houses were stormed in addition to confiscating their money and vehicles.

In the Gaza Strip, on 24 February 2019, Israeli forces moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israeli, east of al-Buriej Camp in the center of the Gaza Strip.

On 26 February 2019, the Israeli forces moved 100 meters into the southeast of Beit Hanoun, north of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli vehicles leveled and combed lands previously leveled.

Israeli Forces continued their settlement activities, and the settlers continued their attacks against Palestinian civilians and their property

• As part of Israeli settlers’ attacks and demolition, on 21 February 2019, Israeli soldiers accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration Officer uprooted 300 olive seedlings planted 2 years ago from a plot of land belonging to al-Warasnah and al-‘Ayaydah familes in Was Aseer area, east of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron. The soldiers confiscated the seedlings under the pretext that the land belongs to the state lands.

On 27 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into Khelet al-Dabi’ village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They uprooted 50 olive seedlings planted a year ago from a plot of land belonging to ‘Ali Mohamed Jaber Dababsah.

• As part of the Israeli settlers’ attacks against the Palestinians civilians and their property, PCHR’s fieldworkers documented during the reporting period 4 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers. Those attacks were as follows:

On 21 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Talmoun” settlement, punctured the tires of 10 vehicles belonging to the residents of Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. They also wrote 2 racist slogans and drew David Star on 2 of the mentioned vehicles.

On the same day, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement, attacked ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus from the eastern side. The settlers were under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians, who gathered to confront the setters. As a result, Hamam Anwar ‘Abed al-Hafiz Shehahda (18), was hit with a stone to the right leg, causing rupture in ligaments and fracture in his right leg.

On 22 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Bani Qadim “ and “ Asfar“ settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians’ lands, east of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron, uprooted 200 olive seedlings planted 2 years ago in Mares Ras al-Hait area.

On 23 February 2019, an Israeli settler attacked Husam ‘Abed al-Raheem Abu Hadeed (48) and punched him while heading to his work in the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee.

Details

1. Incursions into Palestinian Areas, and Attacks on Palestinian Civilians and Property in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Thursday, 21 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Jenin Refugee Camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Islam Jamal al-Qombo’ (22), Ahmed ‘Ata al-Dabe’ (20) and Ossama Yassin al-Boshr (37), taking them to an unknown destination.
• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem and stationed on al-Saff Street in the centre of the city. They raided and searched a house belonging to Isma’il Mohammed al-Batbat (26) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into Bani N’aim village, east of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abed Mahmoud Zidiat (28) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fujjar village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Jawad Mahmoud Mousa Taqtaqa (20), Raed ‘Issa Taqtata (19) and Ahmed Mohammed Taqtaqa (190, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Laban al-Sharqia village, south of Nablus. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud ‘Abd al-Nasser Tayseer Nobany (25), Mahmoud Marwan Draghma (21), ‘Othman Hamed ‘Owais (24), Mahdi ‘Abd al-Kareem Draghma (22), and Bara’ Mohanned ‘Issa ‘Owais (21), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 06:35, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniya shore, west of Jabalia, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and chased them. The shooting caused fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 07:30, a number of Israeli soldiers stationed at a military checkpoint “160”, attacked Palestinian students while they were heading to Hebron Elementary School and fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at them, claiming that they were stoned. After the school administration closed the school gate to protect the students, the Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters at the school yard. As a result, many students suffered tear gas inhalation and were then taken to Mohammed ‘Ali al-Mohtasseb Hospital located close to the school to receive treatment. It should be noted that the first classes were cancelled at the school.

• At approximately 08:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodaniya shore, west of Jabalia, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within four nautical miles. The Israeli naval forces fired shells in the vicinity of the fishing boats and chased them. The Israeli shooting, which was continued until approximately 09:10, caused fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported. It should be noted that at approximately 23:28, the Israeli shooting reoccurred in the same area.

• At approximately 11:50, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of al-Shawka village, east of Rafah, opened fire at agricultural lands and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 15:30, Israeli forces moved into Broqeen village, west of Salfit, and arrested Baha’ Samih Khaled Abu Baker (32) from Ya’bod village, west of Jenin, taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Tulkarm, Quffin village, north of Tulkarm; Beit Ummar, Sa’ir and Beit Marsam villages in Hebron; Beit Rima and Dir Netham villages, northwest of Ramalah.

Friday, 22 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Dura, southwest of Hebron and stationed in Wad Abu al-Qomra neighborhood. They raided and searched a house belonging to Bassam Hamad al-Zir (55), where they locked the family members in one room and then arrested Bassam’s son Hamad (25), taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:15, Israeli forces moved into Jenin Refugee Camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmed Rateb ‘Owais (33) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 07:20, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodanya shore, west of Jabalia, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles, causing fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 15:00, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Oja village in Jericho and arrested Amir Lafi Bani Jame’ (19) near al-‘Oja spring, from ‘Aqraba village, southeast of Nablus, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 17:15, Israeli forces moved into Beit Qad village, northeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Kamel Mohammed Zidan (21) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Romana village, west of Jenin; Beit Djen and Rojib villages, east of Nablus; Sa’ir and al-Sayoukh villages in Hebron.

Saturday, 23 February 2019:

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Shwaika suburb, north of Tulkarm. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Abd al-Qader ‘Ali ‘Abd al-Qader Taya (31) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Habla village, south of Qalqilia. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ghaleb ‘Amer Omar Laham (56) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 10:30, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodanya shore, west of Jabalia, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and chased them. The shooting caused fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli soldiers hit with their hands and gun butts a journalist namely Mashhour Hassan Mahmoud Wahwah (35), who works at the Palestine News Agency “Wafa”, while covering the weekly demonstration of Israeli settlers on the Old City Streets in Hebron. As a result, Mashhour sustained bruises. He said to the PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 23 February 2019, I arrived at the old city to cover the weekly demonstration organized by the Israeli settlers in Hebron’s Old City. While I was standing in the middle of the market to cover the events, one of the Israeli soldiers, who deployed on the road to protect the settlers, stood beside me and asked me “what are you doing?” I replied: I am a journalist. The soldier then moved away, stood with 3 other Israeli soldiers and talked with them. The soldiers then came towards me and surrounded me. I tried to move away, but one of them caught me from my back and pulled me towards him. They cursed me and God while I was asking, “What did I do?” The four soldiers punched me to my head and abdomen while one of them hit me with the gun butt several times to my foot for 20 minutes. After that, the soldiers moved towards one of the settler, who was standing in front of a shop, I ran away for some meters and stood away from them. An Israeli officer came and told me in Hebrew, “If you did not leave, I will arrest you.” I tried to talk with him, but he refused and repeated the same sentence. I then left the place.”

• At approximately 16:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Khoza’a village, and no casualties among civilians or damages to property were reported.

• At approximately 20:10, Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Younis shore, south of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within the allowed fishing area and chased them, causing fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, the Palestinian fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no or damages to the boats casualties were reported.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (7) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafr Haress, Dir Ista and Haress villages in Salfit; Yatta and Halhoul cities; Imraish and al-Majd villages in Hebron.

Sunday, 24 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Qalqilia. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mustafa Darwish Mustafa Hassan (21), Dawoud Darwish Youssof Shanti (23), and Mohammed ‘Abd al-Latif Mohammed Dawoud (24), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Samed Mahmoud Salah (17) and Mohammed Ashraf ‘Issa (17), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:40, Israeli forces moved into Beit Rima village, northwest of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to Karim Taher al-Barghouthy (58) and then arrested him along with his son Murad (20), taking him to an unknown destination.
• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces backed by 4 military vehicles moved 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, east of al-Buraij Refugee Camp in the Central Gaza Strip. The military vehicles immediately started to level lands previously leveled. At approximately 09:30, the Israeli military vehicles withdrew and no damages to property were reported.

• At approximately 11:25, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Sodanya shore, west of Jabalia, northwest of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and chased them. The shooting caused fear and panic among Palestinian fishermen. As a result, they fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 11:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved into Kherbet al-Jora, east of Sa’ir village, north of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ibrahim Moahmmed Mustafa al-Shlalda (70). They damaged the solar systems of his house and his son Abdullah (32). Moreover, they confiscated a digital video recorder (DVR) and no arrests were reported. It should be noted that, on 16 August 2018, the Israeli authorities demolished 140-sqaure-meter house belonging to Ibrahim and comprised of one floor built with reinforced concrete. The house was demolished under the pretext of non-licensing. It is worth to mention that Ibrahim and his son Abdullah live in a 36-square-meter house built of tin plates. Ibrahim said to the PCHR’s fieldworker that:

“At approximately 11:30 on Sunday, 24 February 2019, I was sitting in front of my house, my sons were breeding the sheep faraway and my wife was in Sa’ir’s Clinic. Four military patrols passed in front of me and stopped 50 meters away from the house. I heard one of the soldiers calling me and asking me to come to him. When I headed towards them, an officer Kadi ordered me to give him my cell phone and ID. He then called my son Sa’eed (30), who was expelled to the Gaza strip after he was released in Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. I heard Kadi talking to Sa’eed, cursing and threatening him of killing. He then ordered me to sit on the ground and around 20 soldiers headed to my house. I tried to follow them, but the officer prevented me. I heard them moving the furniture and breaking the glass. Half an hour later, I heard an explosion near the house of my son Abdullah, which was closed. The soldier remained until approximately 13:30 and then moved to their vehicles and withdrew. Meanwhile, I entered the house and found that they damaged the house contents. I also checked my son’s house and found that the soldiers damaged the solar system, cut the main electricity wires and confiscated the digital video recorder (DVR).”

• At approximately 17:00, Israeli soldiers stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Gaza Valley village (Johr al-Dik), arrested Moahmmed Khaled al-‘Waidat (19) and Hisham Sabri al-‘Waidat (18) from Gaza Valley village, who were trying to sneak, taking them to an unknown destination.

Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (11) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: al-Bathan Valley village, east of Jenin; Beit Djn village, east of Nablus; Yatta City, south of Hebron; ‘Enabta and Dir al-Ghossoun, Bal’a, and al-Jaroushia villages in Tulkarm; Dir Balout, Bedia and Rafat villages in Salfit.

Monday, 25 February 2019

• At approximately 01:00, Israeli forces moved into Rafat village, west of Salfit. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Odai Radwan ‘Essa ‘Ayash (28) and then arrested him, taking him to unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Arraba village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested Khader ‘Adnan Mohammad Moussa (41) and Tariq Hussein ‘Awad Qa’dan (46), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kafr Ra’i village, southwest of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Ahmad Mustafa Munjid Melhem (30). They later arrested him, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:20, Israeli forces moved into ‘Ur al-Tahta village, west of Ramallah. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Adnan Khamees Suliman (22) and arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 06:40, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Soudaniya shore, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip, heavily opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within three nautical miles and chased them. At approximately 07:40 and 09:25, the shooting recurred. As a result, the fishermen fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• At approximately 08:00, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, east of Dir al-Balah, opened fire at Palestinian shepherds. As a result, the shepherds fled for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (6) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafa village in Tulkarm; Kafr al-Deek and Farkha villages in Salfit; Ezbit Salman village in qalqilya; and Dura and Surif in Hebron.

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Tubas. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested four civilians namely Samer Sameeh al-Taj Sawafta (39); and Bassem Theeb Sawafta and his sons Mohammad (21) and Qassem (23), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Tammun village, southeast of Tubas. They raided and searched a house belonging to Raieq Sadeq Eshtaya Bsharat (54) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Beit ‘Awwa, southeast of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging to Zaid Nabeel al-Massalma (17) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:00, Israeli forces moved into al-Khader village, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Mohammad Ja’far Da’dou’ and Akram Mohammad Da’dou’, taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 02:30, Israeli forces moved into Sarra village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to ‘Essam Waleed Ghanem (30) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Till village, southwest of Nablus. They raided and searched a house belonging to Maohmoud Nayef Solwadi (25) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Kharsa village, south of Dura, southwest of Hebron. They raided and searched a house belonging Moath Yusuf Etbaish (22) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Sureef village, northwest of Hebron. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Ahmad Sameeh Ghnimat (33) and Talal Mohamad Ghnimat (26), taking them to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into ‘Asira al-Shamaliya village, north of Nablus. They raided and searched several houses, from which they arrested four civilians namely Mohammad Fayez al-Sholy (24), Fares Bassam al-Sholy (27), Bassem Hamed al-Sholy (33), and Mohammad Ahmad Sawalma (30).

• At approximately 03:30, Israeli forces moved into Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Mohammad As’ad Thawabta (23) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into al-Shawawra village, southeast of Bethlehem. They raided and searched a house belonging to Za’al Khalaf Salim (55). The Israeli forces locked his family in a room and strip-searched them. Before their withdrawal, they confiscated NIS 10,000, handed them a warrant seizure and no arrests were reported. Islam Za’al Salim said to PCHR’s fieldworker:

“At approximately 01:30, I woke up to heavy knocking on the door. I opened my room’s door and found that my father woke up as well and headed to open the door. We knew that they were Israeli soldiers. I ran to the cupboard and gave all the money that I had to my mother, so that they do not steal it. I followed my father and saw the soldiers on the stairs. The officer took me to the first floor, where my grandfather (90) and my blind aunt (70) live. Meanwhile, an Israeli Civil Administration officer ordered me to bring all the money in US dollars, but I told him that we do not have money. They started to search the house after they locked my father and mother on the first floor. Meanwhile, I left my wife and three daughters in their room on the second floor. Half an hour later, they separately strip-searched us, including my mother and my blind aunt. They took out around NIS 7,000 and put it on the table. The soldiers also took the NIS 3,000 that I hid with my mother and NIS 5 from my daughter’s coin bank. Moreover, they got out my wife’s jewelry and NIS 450 from my father. The officer started to count the money and wrote a warrant seizure. I had an altercation with him and was able to take back my wife’s jewelry. Before they withdrew, the officer handed me the warrant and gave me NIS 200, saying that now I can go to Gush Etzion for challenge.”

• At approximately 07:30, Israeli forces backed by military vehicles moved around 100 meters into the west of the border fence with Israel, adjacent to the Memorial Statute, southeast of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip. They leveled the lands amid the Israeli shooting. At approximately 11:00, the Israeli forces withdrew and no causalities or damages in property were reported.

• At approximately 08:30, Israeli forces stationed along the border fence with Israel, opened fire at agricultural lands, east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. As a result, Palestinian farmers were forced to leave their lands for fear of their lives and no casualties were reported.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (3) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Samou’a, Beit Ummar and Raboud villages in Hebron.

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

• At approximately 01:30, Israeli forces moved into Hebron and stationed in Abu Katila area. They raided and searched a house belonging to Subhi ‘Ali Abu Zaina (34) and then arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• At approximately 03:00, Israeli forces moved into Jenin refugee camp, west of Jenin. They raided and searched several houses from which they arrested Mohanad ‘Omar Bani Ghora (22) and ‘Ammar Ahmad Turkman (19), taking them to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Qabatiya village, southeast of Jenin. They raided and searched a house belonging to Khaled Khaleel Kmail (27). They later arrested him, taking him to an unknown destination.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Ramallah and stationed in Batn al-Hawa. They raided and searched a house belonging to Tariq Bargouth, lawyer of the Committee of Detainees and Ex-detainees affairs, and then arrested him and confiscated his car.

• Around the same time, Israeli forces moved into Birzeit, north of Ramallah. They raided and searched several houses and then arrested Zakaria al-Zobaidy, from Jenin, taking him to an unknown destination. Zakaria is a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fatah Movement.

• Note: During the aforementioned day, Israeli forces conducted (5) incursions in the following areas and no arrests were reported: Kafr Zibad village in Qalqilya; Biddya, Qarawat Bani Hassan and Kifl Haris in Salfit; and Abu Qash village, north of Ramallah.

Use of Force against Demonstrations in Protest against the U.S. President’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel:

Israeli forces continued its excessive use of lethal force against peaceful demonstration organized by Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and it was named as “The Great March of Return and Breaking Siege.” The demonstration was in protest against the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration to move the U.S. Embassy to it. According to PCHR fieldworkers’ observations, the border area witnessed large participation by Palestinian civilians as the Israeli forces continued to use upon highest military and political echelons excessive force against the peaceful demonstrators, though the demonstration were fully peaceful. The demonstration was as follows during the reporting period:

Gaza Strip:

On Friday, 22 February 2019; the 48^th week of the March of Return and Breaking Siege activities, Israeli forces wounded 117 civilians, including 19 children, 8 women and a paramedic. The injuries of three of them were reported as serious. The incidents were as follows:

• Northern Gaza City: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of 29 civilians, including six children and four women. Sixteen of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, eight were directly hit with tear gas canisters and five with rubber bullets. The injuries of two of them were reported serious while the others’ injuries were between moderate and minor.

• Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the killing of Yussuf Sa’eed Hussein al-Daya (14), from Zeitoun neighborhood, east Gaza City. At approximately 16:30, Yussuf was hit with a live bullet to the chest while he was around 50 meters away from the border fence, east of Shuja’iyya neighborhood. His death was declared at 18:10. Furthermore, 51 civilians, including seven children and four woman were wounded. Twenty-three of them were hit were hit with live bullets and shrapnel, 25 with were directly hit with tear gas canisters and three with rubber bullets.

• Central Gaza Strip: The Israeli shooting and throwing tear gas canisters at Palestinian demonstrators, which continued until 17:30, resulted in the injury of 13 civilians. Eight of them were hit with a live bullet and shrapnel and five were directly hit with tear gas canisters.

• Khan Yunis: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators in Khuza’a village resulted in the injury of 22 civilians, including four children and a paramedic. Four of them were hit with live bullets and shrapnel and 18 were directly hit with tear gas canisters. Doctors classified the injury of one of them as serious others’ injuries were between moderate and minor. The wounded paramedic was identified as Fares Hassouna Ahmad al-Qedra (30), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the head, and the wounded journalist was identified as Muneeb Sameer Ahmad Abu Hatab (23), who was hit with a tear gas canister to the chest.

• Rafah: The Israeli shooting at Palestinian demonstrators resulted in the injury of two civilians with live bullets and shrapnel.

West Bank:

• Following the Friday prayer, on 22 February 2019, a peaceful demonstration started in front of ‘Ali al-Bakka’ Mosque. Dozens of civilians, from Hebron, along with local and international human rights defenders participated in the demonstration to commemorate the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre “the Ibrahimi Mosque massacre”. This massacre was carried out by an Israeli settler namely Baruch Goldstein against the worshipers at al-Ibrahimi Mosque on 25 February 1994. The demonstrators also called for opening al-Shohadah Street, which was closed since the mentioned date. The demonstration entitled: “Dismantle the Ghetto” and organized by national parties in the city. The participants raised Palestinian flags and banners calling for ending the closure in the center of Hebron and chanted national slogans. They then arrived at the municipality old building near Ossama Ibn al-Monqeth School and gathered, while a large force of Israeli soldiers were in the place. After that, the participants headed to the entrance to the closed al-Shuhada Street, where Shotir (al-Shuhahda) military checkpoint established. They chanted slogans for around 15 minutes in front of the checkpoint before throwing stone at the soldiers. Dozens of Israeli border guard officers fired sound bombs and tear gas canisters at the participants and stone-throwers and chased them on Wad al-Tuffah Street. As a result, many participants suffered tear gas inhalation. In the meantime, the Israeli border guard officers attacked press crews and prevented them from approaching the checkpoint. Moreover, the Israeli border guard officers pushed the participants by hands and threatened a number of them of opening fire at them if they present in the area. The young men continued to throw stones at the Israeli border guard officers, who fired rubber bullets at them. A number of the Israeli border guard officers surrounded the press crews, forced them to retreat and fired sound bombs at them. As a result, Mashhour Hassan al-Wahwah (35), a photojournalist at the Palestine News Agency “Wafa”, sustained shrapnel wound to his left foot. A journalist, Moss’ab Shawer al-Tamimy, said to the PCHR’s fieldworker that the Israeli border guard officers violently attacked the journalists, pushed them and shouted at them. He added that an Israeli border guard officer pointed the rifle at his chest and threatened him of opening fire at him if he would not leave. He added that the journalists were forced to leave after firing a sound bomb, which deliberately fell over them.

• Following the Friday prayer, dozens of Palestinian civilians and international human rights defenders headed to al-Naqar agricultural area, which is located in the northern side of al-Moghir village, northeast of Ramallah, in order to peacefully protest against Israeli settlers’ attempts to seize and confiscate Palestinians’ lands. When the Palestinian civilians arrived at the area, Israeli soldiers fired live and rubber bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. As a result, 3 civilians, including a child, were hit with live bullets and taken via a PRCS ambulance to Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah to receive treatment.

2. Continued closure of the oPt

Israel continued to impose a tight closure on the oPt, imposing severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

Gaza Strip

Israeli forces continuously tighten the closure of the Gaza Strip and close all commercial crossings, making the Karm Abu Salem crossing the sole commercial crossing of the Gaza Strip, although it is not suitable for commercial purposes in terms of its operational capacity and distance from markets.

Israeli forces have continued to apply the policy, which is aimed to tighten the closure on all commercial crossings, by imposing total control over the flow of imports and exports.

Israeli forces have continued to impose a total ban on the delivery of raw materials to the Gaza Strip, except for very limited items and quantities. The limited quantities of raw materials allowed into Gaza do not meet the minimal needs of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces also continued to impose an almost total ban on the Gaza Strip exports, including agricultural and industrial products, except for light-weighted products such as flowers, strawberries, and spices. However, they lately allowed the exportation of some vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes, furniture and fish.

Israel has continued to close the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing for the majority of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip. Israel only allows the movement of a limited number of groups, with many hours of waiting in the majority of cases. Israel has continued to adopt a policy aimed at reducing the number of Palestinian patients allowed to move via the Beit Hanoun crossing to receive medical treatment in hospitals in Israel or in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel also continued applying the policy of making certain civilian traveling via the crossing interviewed by the Israeli intelligence service to be questioned, blackmailed or arrested.

Movement at Karm Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, southeast of Rafah, is designated for the movement of goods

• Note:Due to technical reasons, we could not obtain the official statistics from the department responsible for issuing the statistics

• Following table illustrates temporary and permanent checkpoints and arrests at these checkpoints in the West Bank from 21-27 February 2019:

Arrests at Military Checkpoints:

• At approximately 15:302 on Sunday, 24 February 2019, Israeli forces established a checkpoint at the entrance to al-Yamoun village (Jenin-Hifa Road), west of Jenin. They searched Palestinian civilians and their vehicles. After that, they arrested Ameer Rabie’ Mostafa Abu Jabal (13), from al-Yamoun village, while passing near the checkpoint.

• At approximately 17:15 on Sunday, Israeli forces established a checkpoint on al-Moraba’ah road, south of Nablus. They searched Palestinian civilians and their vehicles. After that, they arrested Jawad Hussain ‘Ali Ramadan (25), from Tal village, southwest of the city.

• Efforts to Create A Jewish majority

Israeli forces escalated their attacks on Palestinian civilians and their property. They have also continued their raids on al-Aqsa Mosque and denied the Palestinians access to it:

Arrests and Incursions:

• On Thursday, 21 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinian civilians, from occupied Jerusalem, claiming that they participated in opening al-Rahma Gate. The arrested civilians identified as Fadi al-Motwer, Hijazi Abu Subieh, Jehad Qus, and Murad Misk were then taken to an investigation center in the city.

• On Friday, 22 February 2019, Israeli forces raided dozens of houses in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. They then arrested 38 civilians and took them to an investigation center. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians.

• On Saturday, 23 February 2019, Israeli forces raided many houses in occupied East Jerusalem and its suburbs. They then arrested 4 civilians under the pretext of participating in opening al-Rahma Gate, which was closed since 2003 upon a court decision, in al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City. The arrested civilians were identified as Naser Qus, Head of Palestinian Prisoner’s Club; ‘Ali ‘Ajjaj; Hussni al-Kilani; and Samer al-Qabbani, a guard at the al-Aqsa Mosque.

• On Sunday, 24 February 2019, Israeli forces arrested Shiekh ‘Abed al-‘Azim Suhlob, Khateeb of al-Aqsa Mosque; and Shiekh Najeh Bakirat; Director of Heritage Foundation  at al-Aqsa Mosque. Both of them were arrested under the pretext of participating in opening al-Rahma Gate. The Israeli authorities handed them a decision to deport them from the al-Aqsa Mosque for 7 days.

• On Tuesday, 26 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Izariyia village, east of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched houses, from which they arrested Mahmoud Khakled Damdoum (25) and Ahmed Jawad Othman (14).

• On Wednesday, 27 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into Silwan village, south of occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City. They raided and searched a house belonging to the governor of Jerusalem ‘Adnan Gaith and arrested them. He was then taken to al-Maskobiyia Police Center in West Jerusalem. On the same day evening, the Israeli forces released him upon the Magistrate Court decision.

• On Wednesday, Israeli forces moved into al-‘Issawiyia village, northeast of occupied East Jerusalem. They raided and searched dozens of houses, arrested 22 civilians and then took them to investigation centers. PCHR keeps the names of the arrested civilians.

Settlement activities and attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians and property

Israeli forces’ attacks:

• On Thursday, 21 February 2019, Israeli soldiers accompanied with the Israeli Civil Administration Officer uprooted 300 olive seedlings planted 2 years ago from a plot of land belonging to al-Warasnah and al-‘Ayaydah familes in Was Aseer area, east of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron. The soldiers confiscated the seedlings under the pretext that the land belongs to the state lands. It should be noted that it was the second time that the Israeli forces and settlers attacked the lands. In February 2019, the Israeli settlers uprooted 400 olive seedlings from the mentioned plot of land. Before their withdrawal, they handed a notice to the family members, who arrived at the area, ordering them to evacuate the land during 45 days and challenge before the competent authorities.

• At approximately 13:00 on Thursday, Israeli forces accompanied with military vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Ethna, west of Hebron, and stationed in the western area. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed Tayseer Mohamed Tamizah a notice to stop construction work in a 50-sqaure-meter agricultural room built with bricks, under the pretext of non-licensing.

• At approximately 11:00 on Monday, 25 February 2019, Israeli forces accompanied with 2 vehicles and a vehicle of the Israeli Civil Administration moved into Qinan Nayyas area, east of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron. The Israeli Civil Administration officer handed 3 civilians notices to stop construction work in their houses, under the pretext of non-licensing in area classified as Area C, according to Oslo Agreement. It should be noted that the Israeli authorities targeted the lands of the mentioned area. In 2015, the Israel authorities declared the confiscation of 100 dunums from those lands under the pretext of being state lands. The notices were as follows:
  • A 180- square-meter house built of concrete and belongs to Mohamed Hamdan Hammad Haliyqah (32).
  • A 150-sqaure-meter under-construction house built of concrete and belong to Ahmed Jaber Mohamed Warasnah (28).
  • A 70-sqaure-meter house built of concrete and belongs to Mohamed Ahmed Warasnah (50).

• At approximately 08:00 on Wednesday, 27 February 2019, Israeli forces moved into Khelet al-Dabi’ village, east of Yatta, south of Hebron. They uprooted 50 olive seedlings planted a year ago from a plot of land belonging to ‘Ali Mohamed Jaber Dababsah. Khelet al-Dabi’ village is located in the east of Yatta village, where 100 persons live. Most of the village’s houses are built with bricks and roofed with tine plates. The Israeli forces handed the village residents notices to stop construction work in addition to demolition notices. The Israeli forces also handed the residents decisions to evacuate their lands under the pretext of being state lands.

Israeli settlers’ attacks:

• At Thursday dawn hours, on 21 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “ Talmoun” settlement, punctured the tires of 10 vehicles belonging to the residents of Ras Karkar village, west of Ramallah. They also wrote 2 racist slogans and drew David Star on 2 of the mentioned vehicles. Akram Abu Fakhidah said to PCHR’s fieldworker that when they checked the surveillance cameras fixed on his shop door, it turned out that 2 masked persons one of them carrying a bag wrote slogans and punctured the tires of his truck. He added that the two persons wandered on the street, punctured the tires of vehicles parked on the street sides and wrote racist slogans. Akram stressed that the two persons were settlers because they wrote slogans in Hebrew and drew David Star. The attacked vehicles belong to:
  • Hamidan Mohamed Mahmoud Dar Sa’d.
  • Sa’d Mohamed Dar Sa’d.
  • Akram Abu Fakhidah.
  • Montaser Nofal.
  • Kareem Saleh Dar Sa’d.
  • Adham Mazloum.

• At approximately 13:30 on Thursday, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Yatizhar” settlement, attacked ‘Oreef village, south of Nablus from the eastern side. The settlers were under the Israeli forces’ protection. The settlers threw stones at Palestinian civilians, who gathered to confront the setters. As a result, Hamam Anwar ‘Abed al-Hafiz Shehahda (18), was hit with a stone to the right leg, causing rupture in ligaments and fracture in his right leg. He was then taken to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus.

• On Friday, 22 February 2019, a group of Israeli settlers, from “Bani Qadim “ and “ Asfar“ settlement, which is established on Palestinian civilians’ lands, east of al-Shayyoukh village, north of Hebron, uprooted 200 olive seedlings planted 2 years ago in Mares Ras al-Hait area. The olive seedlings belong to al-Warasnah Family. Yousef Warasnah (47) said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “My family owns hundreds of dumuns in eastern al-Shayyoukh village. In the previous years, we planted part of the land with olive seedlings and reclaimed another part through funded projects. Two months ago, we planted 200 olive seedlings cost NIS 2300. On Friday, 23 February 2019, I headed with my family to plant olive seedlings. When we arrived at the land, we found the olive seedlings planted 2 months ago were uprooted and damaged. The Palestinian shepherds told me that the Israeli settlers uprooted the seedlings and damaged them.”

• At approximately 07:30 on Saturday, 23 February 2019, an Israeli settler, who lives in a settlement outpost in Hebron’s Old City, attacked Husam ‘Abed al-Raheem Abu Hadeed (48) and punched him while heading to his work in the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. As a result, he sustained bruises, swelling over left side of head and severe pain in his jaw. Husam said to PCHR’s fieldworker that: “I was heading to my workplace in Hebron Rehabilitation Committee, where I work as a warehouse secretary. I passed through Abu al-Rish checkpoint, south of the al-Ibrahimi Mosque. When I arrived at al-Shari’a Court, I saw a number of Israeli soldiers along with an Israeli settler in his twenties stood in the area. After I walked around 20 meters, the settler chased me and cursed me. Few minutes later, the settler attacked and punched me to my head. I shouted at the Israeli border guard officers, who were 20 meters away. They came and took the settler. I headed to my work and then went to a medical center, because I was suffering from swelling over the left side of my head and severe pain in my jaw.”